Teen Driver Insurance in Georgia

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

Georgia's graduated driver licensing program, known as the Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA), is a structured three-step process for drivers ages 15-18 that builds driving experience through education and restrictions. Research shows TADRA has been highly effective, with studies finding 36.8% fewer fatal crashes among 16-year-old drivers, 50% fewer speed-related fatalities, and 62% fewer alcohol-related crashes. Joshua's Law mandates that 16- and 17-year-olds complete 30 hours of driver education, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 40 hours of supervised driving (6 at night) for a Class D license. The program allows teens to progress from an instructional permit at age 15 to a provisional license at 16 and finally to a full license at 18.

Licensing Timeline

Teens can obtain a Class CP instructional permit (learner's permit) at age 15 after passing a knowledge test. They must hold this permit for at least 12 months and one day before applying for a Class D provisional license. Applicants who are 16 must complete a certified 30-hour driver education course, supervised driving requirements, and the ADAP program, while those who don't meet these requirements must wait until age 17 to apply. A full, unrestricted Class C license is available at age 18 to those with a valid Class D license and no major traffic violations in the previous 12 months.

GDL Restrictions

Class D license holders may not drive between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM with no exceptions. During the first six months, only immediate family members (parents, stepparents, grandparents, siblings, step-siblings, children, and residents of the driver's home) may ride in the vehicle. During the second six months, only one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member may ride in the vehicle. After one year, up to three passengers under 21 who are not immediate family members may ride in the vehicle. These restrictions are based on the class of license, not the driver's age.

Permit holding period: 12 months and 1 day minimum. Nighttime restriction: No driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Passenger restriction: First 6 months: immediate family only. Months 7-12: one non-family passenger under 21. After 12 months: up to three non-family passengers under 21. Cell phone restriction: Standard state hands-free laws apply. Supervisor requirement: Licensed driver age 21+ seated in front passenger seat. Nighttime exceptions include: none. Passenger exceptions include: immediate family members (parents, stepparents, grandparents, siblings, step-siblings, children, and residents of driver's home).

Insurance Requirements

Georgia requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. As an at-fault state, the driver who caused the crash pays for damages through their insurance. Georgia does not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, operating under an at-fault system where the responsible party pays for damages. While Georgia does not require uninsured motorist coverage, insurers must offer it when purchasing a standard liability policy, though drivers can reject this coverage in writing.

Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage. Insurance system: at-fault. Uninsured motorist coverage must be offered but can be rejected in writing.

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers in Georgia typically face significantly higher insurance premiums due to their inexperience and higher risk profile. The combination of minimum coverage requirements and the state's at-fault system means that teens and their families face important decisions regarding purchasing coverage above the legal minimums, as serious accidents can quickly exceed the $25,000 per-person bodily injury limit. Insurance companies often provide discounts for teens who complete approved driver education courses, and maintaining a clean driving record during the provisional license period can help keep premiums manageable as teens transition to full licensure.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: Age 16 with driver education: Must complete 30-hour classroom course plus 6-hour behind-the-wheel training or DDS Parent-Teen Driving Guide. 40 supervised hours required; 6 night hours required; driver education required; road test required.

Option 2: Age 17 without driver education: No formal driver education required but must still complete supervised hours. 40 supervised hours required; 6 night hours required; road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: $10. License fee: $32. Additional testing fees may apply: knowledge test retakes $10 each, road test retakes $20 each.